The 5 Best Chicago Breweries to Visit Right Now

Craft beer is taking off nationwide faster than brew lovers can say “another round,” and Chicago is seeing the results firsthand. Last year, the city was home to more than 150 breweries (second only to Portland, Oregon), and that number only continues to grow—making it easier than ever before to sample through an array of locally released ales and lagers. From a Logan Square spot making both beer and spirits, to a Hyde Park hangout where oak-aged sours reign, here are five of Chicago’s best breweries to check out now.

Local Logic, our homage to classic Bohemian pilsners, is back on tap. We also have flowers! If it can’t be spring outside, it will be in here 🌻 • • • #lorezbrewing #lorez #craftbeer #chicagobeer #pilsen #chicagobeer #explorechicago #chicagocraft #southside #chicago #pilsner #belgian #beerblogger #beerblog #spring

A post shared by Lo Rez Brewing (@lorezbrewing) on Feb 21, 2018 at 4:19pm PST

Lo-Rez Brewing

PILSEN

Founders Dave Dahl and Kevin Lilly opened this brewery and taproom just last summer, giving Pilsen residents one more reason to skip out of the office early whenever possible. Belgian and malt-forward styles are their specialty, as showcased by favorites like the Raster (rye saison), the Daemon (strong Belgian golden), and the Far North Declaration (barrel-aged imperial stout).
For the full experience, check out the taproom, a gathering place for plenty of the area’s artists and musicians (and their canines, thanks to a dog-friendly policy).

We love you.

A post shared by Maplewood Brewery & Distillery (@maplewoodbrew) on Feb 14, 2018 at 11:46am PST

Maplewood Brewery & Distillery

LOGAN SQUARE

This brewery-meets-distillery is the only one in the state of Illinois, which means it’s also the only spot folks can gather for both beer and spirits made in-house. Do start with the former—after all, they have plenty of it, including the Son of Juice IPA (citrusy), Juice Pants IPA (juicy and aromatic), and the Fat Pug Oatmeal Milk Stout (chocolatey and smooth). For round two (or three), check out their other selections, which range from slushies and beer-inspired drams, to a variety of “fizzy drinks” that incorporate both beer and spirits.

This batch of La Roja du Kriek is tasting absolutely devine! You can expect tastes of freshly baked cherry pie, subtle tartness, and light funk! La Roja du Kriek should be hitting distribution starting in March! #cherrypie #tart #larojadukriek #itsdelicious #beerart #michiganbeer #oakaged #getfunky #jollypumpkin #staysour

A post shared by jollypumpkin (@jollypumpkin) on Feb 21, 2018 at 10:10am PST

Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales

HYDE PARK

Chicago saw one of its newest brewery openings with this Hyde Park debut, where oak-aged sour beer is the most prized offering. For a taste of what they do best, try the Oro de Calabaza, a former gold medal winner at the Great American Beer Festival and named “Best Belgian Golden Ale” in a blind tasting by The New York Times. Red ale fanatics can opt for La Roja, and come spring, it’s all about the release of Baudelaire IO, a saison brewed with hibiscus, rose petals, and rose hips.

In just under 3 hours our #dipa binary daydream can be yours! #open at 5pm #happyhour #craftbeer #brewpub #pilsenchicago

A post shared by Alulu Brewpub (@alulubrew) on Jan 24, 2018 at 12:15pm PST

Alulu Brewpub and Brewery

PILSEN

Logan Helton and Frank Costanzo make up the genius behind this recently opened brewery, which focuses on classic styles of beers with a modern twist. That means brews like their Ghostly Liso, a clean, crisp, Mexican lager, and the Fox de Locus, a watermelon kettle sour that is light, fruity, and perfect for warm weather drinking. Still, their most popular styles are their IPAs, from the Binary Daydream to the Rue Calstra.

2017 was an 80% trash year, but at least we made some great beer. We’re sending 2017 to the grave with some of our favorites from the year in the taproom! Now pouring Clover Club, Squad, Old Duck, Endgrain, And Cold Brew!

A post shared by Hopewell Brewing (@hopewellbrewing) on Dec 31, 2017 at 10:09am PST

Hopewell Brewing Company

LOGAN SQUARE

This Logan Square brewery specializes in a wide range of styles, including three beers they make year-round: a crisp, aromatic lager (First Lager), a West Coast-style IPA (Swift IPA), and a classic, clean saison (Family Saison). This spring, fans can also look forward to the release of their wild oak-aged beers and their Clover Club, a raspberry and gin botanical kettle sour that has already gained a loyal following.

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